Column Radiators

What are column radiators?

They are a type of radiator made from tubular steel columns welded to end pieces at the top and bottom which creates a single section.

Features of column radiators:

The sections of the radiators can be seen in the image on the right. Each colour represents a different section.

Sections are welded together to create a wide range of radiator widths. This radiator is 7 sections long.

The multi-coloured radiator over there on the right is a 3 column radiator (view all our 3 column radiators). Other sizes are available - shallower options have 2 columns, deeper ones have 4, 5 and 6 columns.

This radiator is a 3 column radiator. Other sizes available. Shallower options have 2 columns, deeper ones have 4 and 6 columns.

As standard the radiators come powder coated (tough paint finish) white. The coloured sections indicate some of the colour options available on certain radiator ranges - we can also supply certain radiators re-painted or with a metal finish with a lacquered top coat. White is available on all radiators.

Where can you put them?

Column radiators are equally suited to traditional or contemporary rooms. The desired effect can be achieved by the type of valve you fit or the colour you choose to finish the radiator in.

When it comes to traditional and contemporary radiators, the usual assumption is that column radiators are contemporary and cast iron ones are traditional. This is not the case, although cast iron radiators are more traditional and very well suited for Victorian and Georgian buildings, column radiators can be styled to be traditional and also the following advantages over cast iron ones:

They are much cheaper than the more expensive cast iron radiators.

Column radiators are much easier to install and are less cumbersome.

Column radiators are lighter as they are made from light tubular steel sections as opposed to weighty cast iron sections.

Column radiators are more versatile.

More on the sizes & shapes...

When deciding on the size of the radiator, the depth is usually the first measurement considered. The depth (from the wall) is denoted by the number of columns the radiator has. The number of columns available are 2, 3 (see image above), 4 and 6.

Sizes are generally measure firstly by the number of columns (depth from wall) being available in 2, 3, 4 & 6 columns. Following this, the width is then chosen.

Two columns are often used where low heat output is required as these have the lowest surface area of to distribute heat.

Three columns are the most popular for aesthetic and practical reasons. They have a good level of heat output and their size means they do not protrude too far into the room.

Radiators with four or six columns are used where a high heat output is required. For instance, in a large room or where installation of the radiator may be restricted, such as under a low window. These radiators are generally described as vertical (tall & narrow) or horizontal (low & wide).

The colours show the sections - this radiator is 7 sections long. The depth from the wall depends on the number of columns - this is a radiator with 3 columns.